Enjoying a Dip in the Seine: Paris Established Three Swimming Locations in July - Three designated areas in Paris to enjoy a river swim in July
Paris Revives Seine Swimming: Gearing Up for Three Supervised Spots in July
Swimming in the Seine is making a grand comeback, as the city of Paris is preparing three supervised swimming zones to open up on July 5, 2025. Mayor Anne Hidalgo, an enthusiastic advocate for this initiative, was among the first to take the plunge in the river last year.
Here's what you need to know about this momentous event:
History, Clean-up, and Regulations
- Once a popular spot for swimming, the Seine was banned for bathing in 1923 due to severe pollution. Fast forward over a century, thanks to massive clean-up efforts, the city is once again ready for swimming enthusiasts.
- Teams knocking on doors, remotely checking wastewater connections, and installing new rainwater storage systems have been instrumental in cleaning up the river. A massive overflow basin was built near the Austerlitz train station to prevent sewer flooding during heavy rains.
- Swimming is contingent on daily water quality tests, as high levels of bacteria could necessitate a swimming suspension. During the 2024 Olympics, several competitions were delayed because of contamination after heavy rain.
- The clean-up campaign included upgrading water treatment plants, reconnecting houseboats to the sewage system, fixing faulty wastewater connections upstream, and installing new rainwater storage systems to minimize pollution during heavy rains.
The Swimming Zones
- Three supervised swimming areas will be available from July 5 to August 31: Bras Marie, Bras de Grenelle (near the Eiffel Tower), and Bercy. The zones will feature fencing, buoys, pontoon access, changing rooms, showers, and storage facilities.
- These areas will be carefully monitored to ensure swimmers' safety and address ecological concerns. Entry to these zones is completely free.
Embracing the Challenge
- While pollution remains a challenge, especially during rainstorms, daily testing and strict safety regulations ensure swimmers can dive in with peace of mind.
- This historic moment exemplifies the perfect balance between ecological sustainability, public health, and cultural heritage, making the Seine a trailblazer in urban river restoration and recreational reuse in the 21st century.
- Parisians and visitors can look forward to an unparalleled urban swimming experience along the Seine's iconic riverfront locations this summer.
Living in Paris and enjoying outdoor activities will be even more appealing as the city continues to enhance its home-and-garden offerings. In July 2025, individuals looking to embrace a vibrant lifestyle may find themselves swimming in the Seine, an exciting feat made possible due to decades-long clean-up campaigns and sports-oriented initiatives like the upcoming Olympics.
